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Line 1: − A '''trireme''' was a [[Greek]] warship of the 5th and 4th centuries B.C. They were sleek and light, powered by 170 oars arranged in 3 vertical tiers. If manned by skilled sailors (and they usually were under Greek command), it was capable of short bursts of speed and complex maneuvers. The triremes were the premiere fighting vessels of their day and the Greeks used them to win many naval battles. − == Sources ==+ + + + + + + + + − The Earth and Its Peoples A Global History, Bulliet et al, 2005. +
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The '''TRIREME''' was an ancient oar-powered warship, first built by [[Athens]] at the time of [[Themistocles]] (524-459BC) but rapidly copied by other city-states. It was developed from the “[[pentekonter]]”, a large [[Greek]] war [[galley]], by installing three banks of oars per side with the oarsmen arranged one above the other; thus creating a vessel larger and speedier than previously possible. Initially, the trireme (or “trier”) was manned by about 170 rowers (Usually ''thetes'' – poor freeman who rowed for payment), 20 or so sailors and officers and about ten marines. The captain – ''trierar'' or ''trierarch'' – was responsible for the ship at all times; providing the money for its repairs and maintenance as well as running costs.
For longer voyages, auxiliary sails were available; a mainsail amidships and a smaller sail near the prow (front). The prow and fore part of the ship were strengthened to allow a large bronze- or iron-clad ram which was used to either slice into an enemy ship from the side, or snap its oars by running alongside. Steering was by large steering oars near the stern, one on each side of the vessel. This was the predominant warship in the [[Mediterranean]] for the next few centuries.
In 146BC the [[Romans]], at war with [[Carthage]], began construction of a large fleet of warships based on the Greek design, but adapted to suit Roman fighting techniques. The most innovative feature of the Roman trireme was a strong boarding plank attached to a mast on the foredeck and mounted on a swivel. This plank was dropped onto the deck of the enemy where it was held fast by an iron spike on the end of the plank. The Romans could then board and use their superior hand-to-hand battle skills to subdue the enemy.
Like its Greek forerunner, the Roman trireme was normally rowed by freemen – usually impoverished [[peasant]]s or [[plebeian]]s – not [[slaves]].
Reference: “Dictionary of Ship Types” (Dudszus & Henriot)
[[Category: Ancient Greece]]
[[Category: Ancient Greece]]
[[Category: Ships]]